Casandra Alexander saw an old photo of herself this week. It was from 2021, the year she won the Joburg Ladies Open, and she almost didn't recognize the person in it.

Five years after winning the Joburg Ladies Open, the South African is back at Randpark Golf Club. This time, she returns as world No. 41 and the top-ranked player on the Ladies European Tour.

"They actually posted a photo of past winners, and I saw it, and I was like, oh my goodness, I was so young and a little chubby," Alexander said in a video posted by the Ladies European Tour on X.

"This tournament has grown so much, and I've grown so much playing it. It's nice to look back and see how far I've come."

As the top local player in the field, Alexander remains the last South African to win the tournament.

After three rounds, she is at 12 under par, which puts her four shots off the pace set by France's Camille Chevalier and Celine Herbin, who share the lead at 16 under. Compatriot Agathe Laisne sits one behind them at 15 under. All three will tee off together in Sunday's final group.

Alexander carded a 67 on Saturday on the Firethorn course and heads into the final round leading the South African challenge.

"I've been in the hunt a couple of times now and know it can go your way or it can't," she said. "I'll give it my best shot, and hopefully it's good enough."

She enters the final 18 holes four strokes behind the leaders.

Why Casandra Alexander Can Reach the World Top 10

Her coach, Grant Veenstra, has worked with many of South Africa's top professionals. He doesn't throw around big claims lightly. But when it comes to Alexander, he is straight to the point.

"I definitely think she is a world top-10 player," Veenstra said. "She has always been an athlete and a great competitor who doesn't like to lose. But now we've worked really hard on consistency in her swing that is showing itself in her performances."

Alexander said hitting the ball well and strong iron play have always been part of her game. This year, she spent a lot of time improving the short side of things, especially the putter, and it is starting to pay off.

She finished second here last year, so Sunday gives her another real chance to go one better and lift the trophy. A win would mark another significant milestone in her career progression.

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav